Attack coaching pack

1.
Attack
10 ready made coaching sessions

2.
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What you get your players to do:
Set-up
Use a whole pitch for partner work.
Use a 30 x 30 yard area for the 2v1/3v2 work, with one
goal and a goalkeeper.
In pairs
Arrange your players into pairs. One acts as a defender
and one acts as an attacker.
Get one player to make a movement away from where he
wants to receive the ball and then immediately make a
sharp double-back movement into the space where he
wants to receive it.
For example, get your players to make a sharp movement
to the right, taking the defender with them, before
changing direction and making space to receive on the
left and vice versa.
2v1
Now add a passing player.
When the pass is made the ball is live and the two
attackers must combine to complete the move by
creating a goal-scoring opportunity.
Development
Add an extra pair of attackers/defenders and a passing
player so that 2v1 becomes 3v2.
Are your players making movements in a way which is useful to
the passer? Your players need to understand that they must use
the double-back movement to find a space which the passer can
actually reach with the pass. Also, is the passing technique good?
(quick, accurate, side-foot passing).
Movements to
lose a defender
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Movements to receive Team skills: Communication, combination play
ready made coaching sessions – 104
Make sure that your players take advantage of the space
created. As soon as the pass is made, the passer then becomes a
receiver and has to find space. Can your players use these
techniques to pass their way up the pitch to the opposition goal?
What you tell your players
the session is about:
This session shows you how to coach your players the ability to lose
tight markers in order to receive a pass.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Make a movement in one direction, taking the defender with you,
then double-back to lose the defender and create space to receive
a pass.
2 Be quick and unpredictable, ready to change direction to be free
for a pass.
3 Keep your head up so that you can see all the players around you.
● “Double back”
● “Pass on call”
● “Pass on eye contact”
How would I put this into a game situation?
Play a small-sided game and see if the players are using
the new techniques learnt. Encourage them to create
space and react using the shouts above.
movement of player pass
Movements to lose a defender

3.
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What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Scoring goals.
2 Accurate and powerful heading.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Provide decent, accurate throws.
2 Move into the ball’s line of flight.
3 Use the forehead.
4. Score past the goalkeeper!
● “Keep your eyes open”, “Attack the ball”.
● “Get above the ball”, “Accuracy first, power later”.
● Eyes on the ball.
● Use of the neck muscles for power.
● Heading the top half and the middle of the ball to direct it
downwards.
● Ideally aiming for the corners of the goal.
● If jumping for the ball: taking off on one foot; use of the arms
to help take-off; body almost side-on; an arched back before
putting power into the header; making contact with the ball
at the highest point of the jump; landing on both feet.
Heading
to score
For safety reasons only begin heading sessions with young
players when they’re aged eight or nine, but even then don’t
overdo it. Try a softer ball to help build confidence, and make
the distances you’re asking players to head the ball suitable for
their age. Finally, don’t introduce opposition until kids are
confident and old enough to cope with physical contact.
What you get your players to do:
Stage 1: One player stands on each side of a square
playing area. Each side equals the width of a match-size
goal. A player from the white team throws the ball
slightly ahead of his teammate who runs forward and
tries to head it past the opponent acting as a goalkeeper.
The service must be varied, from balls lobbed in the air
to balls thrown closer to the ground that make players
dive forward.
Stage 2: The other team has a go at trying to score. The
person who was the goalkeeper now heads the ball
thrown by his teammate, while the player who headed
the ball last time is the goalkeeper. Change roles so all
four players have a turn at scoring. As the players
become accustomed to the ball coming from one side,
make teammates swap positions.
Development
Make it competitive by keeping the team’s scores. For
example, first team to score five goals wins.
How would I put this into a game situation?
Play a 6 v 6 game of Throw, Head, Catch in an area
40 x 25 metres with normal size goals. Both teams have
a keeper. Both teams must try to score but they can
only move the ball by the first player throwing the ball
to a second teammate who heads it to a third
teammate. Once thrown the other team can win the ball
back by “out heading” their opponents, or intercepting
the ball with their hands in the “catching” phase.
direction of headerdirection of throw
player 1
player 2
player 1
player 2
Heading to score
8x8 yards
ready made coaching sessions – 36
Where does it fit: Individual skills: Heading technique Team skills: Support and movement

4.
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What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Finding and creating space.
2 Changing the focal point of an attack.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Look for space to play the ball to.
2 Pass the ball through the goals to score.
3 Pass and move.
What you get your players to do:
Stage 1: Play 9 vs 9 in an area approx 40 x 40 metres
and set up 10 small goals or ‘gates’.
Reduce the numbers of gates and the size of the pitch
accordingly depending on the number of players, but
there should be one goal more than the number of
players on either side.
Stage 2: Limit the number of touches each player can
have to three or even two.
Development
Keeping the ball below head height will encourage the
players to switch the play through a series of shorter
ground passes.
● “Keep the ball moving”
● “Call for the ball”.
● “Get your head up”
● “Switch the play”.
● Quick, accurate passing.
● Good first touch and close control.
● Lots of movement.
● Playing with the head up.
● Identifying and attacking the space.
● Attacking team spreading out to create space.
Focusing
an attack
How would I put this into a game situation?
Even in small-sided games encourage players to
switch the play, whether it be a goalkeeper receiving
the ball from one full back and moving onto the other,
a centre midfielder changing the point of attack, or a
long pass from one flank to the other.
If the session is proving too difficult then increase the number
of goals so the players can be successful.
ready made coaching sessions – 32
Where does it fit: Individual skills: Control Team skills: Passing
movement of ball goal
A = attacker D = defender
A
A
A
A
D D
D
D
A
D
A
D
Focusing an attack

5.
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ready made coaching sessions – 49
What you get your players to do:
A player from Team A enters the pitch and plays 1 v 1
with the Team B goalkeeper. After each ball is played, the
opposite team enters and now they have the overload
situation. The game is played until all the players have
entered the pitch and the last ball has left play. The series
of attacks is as follows
Team A v Team B
1 v Gk
1 v 2
3 v 2
3 v 4
4 v 4
You then count the scores and rotate the starting team.
Development
When the series of attacks is complete you can continue
in a 4 v 4 game. After one minute take a player off one
team for one minute. For the next minute take a player off
the other team, thus reversing the advantage.
● “Stretch the pitch”
● “Pace”
● “Find your spare player”
● “Be ruthless”
● “Shoot at every opportunity”
● Decision making of the players in possession.
● Are they selfish?
● Do they take too long on the ball?
● Do they see a pass?
● Are they clever?
● Movement of the players not in possession.
● Do they close the space or do they spread out?
● Are they standing still or are they always on the move?
● Are they hiding behind the defenders or are they clever in
their positioning?
Overload
attacking
How would I put this into a game situation?
Games are won and lost on overload situations. As soon
as a player is tackled in a game then there is an overload
situation. If one team doesn’t take advantage of their
overload situations then there is a good chance that the
opponents will.
The players must play at pace as defenders will be racing back in
a real game. The players must be ruthless in these situations and
always get a cross or shot at goal.
4 v 4 continuous overload game
TEAM B
TEAM A
What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Taking advantage of a “number up” situation (“overload”).
2 Punishing your opponents by scoring a goal.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 React to each ball.
2 Spread out and make it hard for the defenders.
3 Play direct and move the ball quickly.
4 Never ignore a shooting opportunity.
Where does it fit? Individual skills: movement, dribbling skills, passing, crossing, finishing
Team skills: combination and link up play, communication, working as a unit

6.
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ready made coaching sessions – 57
What you get your players to do:
Arrange your players into pairs.
The first two players go out to the wings and the next
two players become the forwards.
The two forwards must receive a pass and then
combine to score. Immediately after the shot, one of the
wingers must dribble and cross the ball for the forwards.
The forwards must therefore make a new run to attack
the crossed ball.
Immediately after this cross the opposite winger must
also dribble and cross. Therefore the two forwards have
3 attempts to score.
After this, the forwards become the wingers and the
wingers wait to become the new forwards
Development
1 Add a defender to the practice, now the forwards
must combine more efficiently and improve the
sharpness of their movements.
2 Use two defenders and an additional forward,
creating a 3v2 situation.
● “Read each other”
● “Movements to receive”
● “Be clever, be creative”
● “Don’t get in the box too early”
● “Hit the target”
● “Follow in for the rebounds”
Look at the relationship between the two attacking players. Do
they have a good awareness and appreciation of each other?
When attacking crosses does their movement support each other
and give them the best chance to score a goal or do they make
the same runs?
Combining
to score
How would I put this into a game situation?
This will naturally occur in a game, but you could
choose to condition the game so that after the initial
shot a wide player also crosses a ball into the same box.
This will force the forwards to make new runs and lose
their markers.
Often partnerships will work instantly but some require
practices like this to bring the best out of the players. This
practice can be broken down in many areas to work on
specific situations.
passdirection of run C = coach
Forwards combining to score
What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Building an attacking partnership.
2 Working on movement, understanding and finishing skills.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Use your imagination.
2 Communicate with each other.
3 Always be on the move.
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Movements, skill, imagination, passing, dribbling, shooting, crossing,
communication Team skills: Team work, communication, organisation, positioning

7.
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ready made coaching sessions – 74
Carefully examine the technique of the players. Are they leaning
back? Are they using their arms for balance? Where are the
players shooting – either side or right at the goalkeeper?
The two
footed striker
All players must be willing to accept an opportunity to shoot
with both feet. In games chances to score may be rare. When a
chance arises, the attacker must be confident to shoot with
whatever foot the ball arrives to.
What you tell your players
the session is about:
This session will coach your players to be comfortable shooting with
either foot.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Hit the target when shooting.
2 React to the next ball.
3 Work at a realistic speed.
● “Hit the target”
● “Shoot across the goal”
● “Match speed”
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Movements, shooting technique, reactions
Team skills: Team work, communication, combination play (in the game)
What you get your players to do:
The white-shirted players dribble and then pass to the
coach.
The coach makes a lay-off for a first time strike with the
right foot.
Immediately the white-shirted player reacts and receives
a second pass from the server for a left-footed shot.
For the next attack, the shooting player takes the place
of the server and the server joins the dark-shirted line.
The dark-shirted line now play, attacking the other goal
and are shooting left foot first and then right foot.
Development
Play a game where extra points are awarded for scoring
with your weak foot.
How would I put this into a game situation?
Play a normal small-sided game. Games will naturally
involve shooting. Make it a rule of the practice game
that the players must shoot at every opportunity. Two
goals are awarded for first time finishes or goals with
the weaker foot.
direction of run
dribble
direction of pass
The two-footed striker
1
3
2
4 5

8.
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ready made coaching sessions – 33
What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Scoring goals.
2 Improving their chances of beating the goalkeeper.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Look at the keeper’s position – has the goalkeeper left any gaps
to aim at?
2 Concentrate on accuracy.
3 Aim for the high-scoring zones.
● “Take a good first touch”, “Pick your spot.”
● “Compose yourself”, “Shoot!”
● Good execution of the selected technique – sidefoot or instep
(“laces”).
● Head down, eyes on the ball when taking the shot.
● Body over the ball and non-kicking foot alongside to keep the
shot under the bar.
● If going for power, use of the instep and follow through with
the kicking foot after striking the ball.
Accurate
shooting
It’s generally harder for the goalkeeper to reach the ball if it’s
hit along the floor, so encourage players to keep the ball low.
Also get them to aim across the goalkeeper and for the corners
because if the keeper makes the save in match situations,
other attackers can score from the rebound. Power shouldn’t be
overlooked either because the speed of the ball alone may be
enough to beat the goalkeeper.
Where does it fit: Individual skills: Shooting Team skills: Passing
What you get your players to do:
Stage 1: Set up two pairs of corner flags centrally in a
goal. Split the players into two lines about 20m from
goal with a server between them. The server plays the
ball to either side and the player on that side reacts by
running onto the pass, taking a touch to control the ball
then shooting. A point is awarded for a goal, but bonus
points are given if the ball goes between either of the
outer two flags and the posts. After taking the shot the
player joins the other line.
Stage 2: When players are on the side that doesn’t
favour their strong foot, encourage them to use the
weaker one.
Development
Get the server to vary the delivery by bouncing the ball
so the players have to hit volleys. Or make the server
change their position so the players have to hit the ball
coming towards them or across them. Other ways of
increasing difficulty include insisting on a first-time shot
on goal, introducing a time limit, or adding a defender.
How would I put this into a game situation?
Play 6 v 6 in an area approx 40 x 40. Use full-size
portable goals, and encourage the players to shoot at
every opportunity.
ground covered direction of shot
direction of pass
Accurate shooting
server
high scoring
zone
high scoring
zone

9.
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ready made coaching sessions – 79
● Non-kicking foot alongside the ball to keep the shot under the
bar.
● Head still and eyes on the ball when striking.
● Knee and head over the ball.
● Using the arm on the same side as the non-kicking foot for
balance.
● Toe down on kicking foot to strike with the “laces”.
● Contact with the middle to top half of the ball.
● Follow through with the kicking foot after striking the ball.
● Land on the kicking foot after taking the shot.
Power
shooting
It’s generally harder for the goalkeeper to reach the ball if it’s
hit along the floor, so encourage players to keep the ball low.
Also get players to aim across goalkeeper and for the corners
because if the keeper makes the save in match situations, other
attackers can score from the rebound.
What you tell your players
the session is about:
1 Hitting a hard shot.
2 Scoring goals.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Drive the ball with the instep.
2 Aim to get plenty of power, but don’t sacrifice accuracy.
3 Aim ideally for the corners and across the goal.
● “The goal doesn’t move so eyes on the ball!”
● “Be positive” “Stay composed” “Hit the target”
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Shooting Team skills: Passing
What you get your players to do:
Stage 1: Split the players into two lines about 20 metres
from the goal with a server between them.
The server plays the ball to either side and the player on
that side reacts by running onto the pass, taking a touch
to control the ball then shooting.
After taking the shot the player joins the other line.
Stage 2: Get the players to shoot first time.
How would I put this into a game situation?
Play 6 v 6 in an area approx 40 x 40. Use full-size
portable goals and encourage the players to shoot at
every opportunity.
Development
Get the server to change their position so players have
to hit balls travelling across or towards them first time.
The server can also try bouncing the ball so the players
have to hit volleys.
Other ways of increasing difficulty include introducing a
time limit, adding a defender and encouraging players
to use their weaker foot.
ground covered pass shot
Power shooting

10.
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ready made coaching sessions – 101
● Ideally taking four to six steps in the run-up.
● Disguise – for example, approaching the ball as if aiming for one
corner but striking it to the opposite corner.
● Head down, eyes on the ball when taking the shot.
● Body over the ball and non-kicking foot alongside the ball.
● Instep (‘laces’) for power and follow through with the kicking
foot, or sidefoot for accuracy.
● Following up the rebound if the goalkeeper saves the first effort.
Taking
penalties
Have your team practice penalties at the end of a training
session because that will replicate how tired they might feel on
the day.
Remember, the aim of penalty drills is to let players find a
method that works for them (which could be blasting the ball at
the middle of the goal) and to achieve repeatability with that
method. That’s so that on matchday they know exactly what
they’re doing, including how many steps are in their run-up.
What you tell your players
the session is about:
Honing their penalty-taking method so it becomes second nature.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Make up your mind early which spot you’re going to shoot at
and stick to it.
2 Concentrate on accuracy before power, but…
3 Strike the ball firmly – it gives a goalkeeper less time to react.
4 Whether high or low, aim for the corners – this will make it hard
for the goalie.
● “Don’t let the keeper put you off – remember, his job is to
pick up the ball after you score!”
What you get your players to do:
Stage 1: Set up two pairs of corner flags on the goal-line
but towards the posts.
Every player has one go at a time, and begin by asking
them to aim low, between either of the outer two flags
and the posts.
Stage 2: Challenge your players to place the ball in either
of the high corners, between either of the outer two flags
and the posts.
Development
Remove the corner flags and introduce a goalkeeper.
direction of shot
high
scoring
zone
high
scoring
zone
Taking penalties
How would I put this into a game situation?
Bring back the corner flags but this time put them just
behind the goal-line.
Split the players into two teams and have one
goalkeeper. Award, for example, one point for a goal
scored in the middle of the net, two points for shots that
go in the bottom corners, and three points for shots that
go in either of the top corners.
Remove the corner flags again and finish with a
conventional, say best of five, penalty shoot-out.
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Shooting Team skills: n/a

11.
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ready made coaching sessions – 67
Who is your best attacker? Who is your best defender? Can you
make them compete against each other? It’s vitally important that
the players work realistically and to their maximum in all practices.
Ensure that there is genuine intensity in everybody’s play.
Ultimate
1v1 circuit
This practice works through all the possible 1v1 situations
that your players will experience in a real game. Each player
works as a defender then as an attacker and is therefore
gaining valuable experience in all roles. It’s important for
forwards to play a defensive role so that they can understand
the issues a defender faces in a competitive situation, and
vice versa.
What you tell your players
the session is about:
Attacking and defending in a variety of 1v1 situations.
What you tell your
players to do:
1 Play with a good tempo.
2 Be direct in your play.
3 Hit the target with all shots.
4 Be clever and use disguises and feints.
5 Defenders - be patient, stand up and force the attacker away
from goal.
Attackers
● “Be direct”
● “Hit the target”
● “Be clever”
● “Go past him”
What you get your players to do:
Pitch 1 – the defender passes a ball into space and tries
to recover, the forward must try to sprint away and
score.
Pitch 2 – the attacker must attack the defender in a 1v1
situation.
Pitch 3 – the attacker must try to turn and score. The
defender must prevent the attacker turning.
Development
Play a small sided game. 1v1 situations will naturally
occur in all three of the areas worked on.
When the situations above arise, point them out to your
players.
How would I put this into a game situation?
1v1s will occur naturally in any game.
direction of run dribble pass
Ultimate 1v1 circuit
1
2
3
Where does it fit? Individual skills: Speed of play, decision making, dribbling, shooting, movement, defending
Team skills: Gk and defending communication